Method of photoelectrolysis

a photoelectrolysis and photoelectrolysis technology, applied in the field of photoelectrolysis, can solve the problems of reducing the efficiency of the cell, affecting the entry of additional light, and consuming electrical energy, so as to increase the efficiency of the operation and achieve cost-effective effects

a photoelectrolysis and photoelectrolysis technology, applied in the field of photoelectrolysis, can solve the problems of reducing the efficiency of the cell, affecting the entry of additional light, and consuming electrical energy, so as to increase the efficiency of the operation and achieve cost-effective effects

US20070017794A1Inactive Publication Date: 2007-01-25ITM POWER LTD FORMELY KNOWN AS STAMFORD MEMORY POLYMERS LTD (GB)
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  • Method of photoelectrolysis
  • Method of photoelectrolysis
  • Method of photoelectrolysis

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0011] The MEA comprises an optically transparent IEM, for example a proton exchange membrane (PEM). The membrane is irradiated with high-energy (e.g. UV or white light) photons to yield activation of the species. The collision with a photon may change the state of excitation of the species. In the excited state of the species, the removal of the outer electrons, and thus the creation of residual cations, is performed more easily. An assembly comprising a suitable catalyst may, if the irradiated photons are of sufficient energy, allow direct dissociation of water to hydrogen and oxygen without significant electrical energy input. This may increase the efficiency of the photoelectrolytic operation.

[0012] The membrane is preferably irradiated directly (i.e. not through an electrode), so that any gaseous product generated at that electrode will not interfere with the passage of light through the membrane.

[0013] Photoelectrolysis may be augmented by applying a potential difference acr...

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Abstract

A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a method of photoelectrolysis, in particular a method for the photoelectrolysis of water. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A photoelectrolytic cell is one in which radiant energy causes a net chemical transformation in the cell. Of particular interest are photoelectrolytic cells suitable for carrying out the photodissociation of water, forming hydrogen and oxygen at the cathode and anode respectively. Water can be photodissociated using a high energy light source (such as a laser beam) in the presence of a catalyst (such as titanium dioxide) and a separating medium which prevents the recombination of the products. [0003] Conventional photoelectrolytic cells are typically arranged in a plane parallel configuration, with irradiation of the electrolyte occurring indirectly, i.e. the incident light passing through an electrode to reach the electrolyte. Should the photoelectrolytic reaction produce a gas, the gas will generate aro...

Claims

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Application Information

Patent Timeline
25 Jan 2007
Publication
US20070017794A1
IPC
C07C1/00; C25B1/00
CPC
Y02E60/368; C25B1/003; C25B1/55; Y02E60/36; Y02P20/133
Inventors
HIGHGATE, DONALD JAMES; LLOYD, JONATHAN ANTHONY